Emergency psychiatric care, unplanned hospital admissions, and inpatient health care are the costliest forms of mental health care. According to Statistics Canada (2018), almost 18% (5.3 million) of Canadians reported needing mental health support. However, just above half of this figure (56.2%) have reported their needs were fully met. To further expand capacity and access to mental health care in the province, Nova Scotia Health has launched a novel mental health initiative, the Rapid Access, and Stabilization Program (RASP).

This study evaluates the effectiveness and impact of the RASP on high-cost health services utilization (e.g. ED visits, mobile crisis visits, and inpatient treatments) and related costs. It also assesses healthcare partners’ (e.g. healthcare providers, policymakers, community leaders) perceptions and patient experiences and satisfaction with the program and identifies sociodemographic characteristics, psychological conditions, recovery, well-being, and risk measures in the assisted population.

This is a hypothesis-driven program evaluation study that employs a mixed methods approach. A within-subject comparison will examine health services utilization data from patients attending RASP, one year before and one year after their psychiatry assessment at the program. A controlled between-subject comparison will use historical data from a control population will examine whether possible changes in high-cost health services utilization are associated with the intervention (RASP). The primary analysis involves extracting secondary data from provincial information systems, electronic medical records, and regular self-reported clinical assessments. Additionally, a qualitative sub-study will examine patient experience and satisfaction, and examine health care partners’ impressions.

The results for the primary, secondary, and qualitative outcome measures to be available within 6 months of study completion. We expect that RASP evaluation findings will demonstrate a minimum 10% reduction in high-cost health services utilization and corresponding 10% cost savings, and also a reduction in the wait times for patient consultations with psychiatrists to less than 30 calendar days. In addition, we anticipate that patients, healthcare providers, and healthcare partners would express high levels of satisfaction with the new service.

This study will demonstrate the results of the Mental Health and Addictions Program (MHAP) efforts to provide stepped-care, particularly community-based support, to individuals with mental illnesses. Results will provide new insights into a novel community-based approach to mental health service delivery and contribute to knowledge on how to implement mental health programs across varying contexts.

None Declared

Mental health of pregnant and post-partum women is sensitive to environmental factors. However, access to mental healthcare remains difficult, while little is known about protective factors nor about interactions between different exposures.

To explore on a large sample of women from the general population (i) the environmental and pregnancy characteristics independently associated with prenatal psychological distress and access to mental health care during pregnancy (ii) pathways between maternal, infant and parenthood vulnerabilities or risk/protective factors and postnatal depressive symtoms (PNDS) at 2 months post-partum (PP)

The data from the French ELFE birth cohort were used. Available information about prenatal psychological status, access to mental health care and vulnerabilities-risk/protective factors for PNDS were collected during the maternity ward stay and at 2 months PP. PNDS were evaluated with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) at 2 months. Maternal/pregnancy characteristics independently associated with prenatal psychological distress and access to mental health care were explored using multivariate analyses. Pathways between risk/protective factors and PNDS at 2 months were investigated through Structural Equation Modeling.

Of the 15,143 mothers explored in the prenatal part of the study, 12.6% reported psychological distress (PPD), 25% had a prenatal consultation with a mental health specialist, 11% used psychotropic drugs of which 4% had no specialist follow-up. Decreased likelihood to consult a mental health specialist was found in young women, with intermediate educational level and born abroad. PPD was more frequent in women with very low economic status, alcohol/tobacco use, unplanned pregnancy, late pregnancy declaration, multiple and complicated pregnancy. In the postnatal part of the study (n=11,583) partner’s perceived antenatal emotional support, consultation with a mental health specialist before pregnancy, financial difficulties, prenatal psychological distress and experience of pregnancy were directly associated with the severity of maternal PNDS at 2 months PP, as well as perceived postnatal support, infant’s self-regulation skills, maternal ability to understand infant crying and infant hospitalisation.

Perinatal professional support should begin antenatally and target the couple’s prenatal functioning, with particular attention to women presenting history of psychiatric disorders, especially when of low socioeconomic status. After delivery, addressing infant and parenthood characteristics is recommended.

None Declared

Long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes and other assisted living facilities, have been hit particularly hard by the COVID-19. The overall pandemic created an enormous pressure on long-term care workers (LTCWs), making them particularly vulnerable to mental disorders. However, most of the existing evidence regarding the well-being of care professionals has predominantly focused on frontline healthcare workers.

This study aimed to identify long-term psychological needs of LTCWs derived from the COVID-19 pandemic, as part of a project that is developing an intervention to reduce psychological distress in this population group.

We performed a qualitative study with a rapid research approach. Participants were recruited from long-term care facilities located in Catalonia, Spain. Between April and September 2022, we conducted semi-structured interviews inquiring about the most psychologically challenging stages of the pandemic, perceived emotions during those stages, main determinants of those emotions, and their emotional state at the time of the interview. We used a qualitative content analysis method with an inductive-deductive approach.

Thirty LTCWs participated in the study. Mean age was 44 (SD=11,4), 87% were females and one third were from foreign nationalities. The period of the pandemic with highest mental health burden was the outbreak, with almost every worker having experienced some form of emotional distress. Emotional distress persisted over time in more than half of participants, with fatigue and nervousness being the main emotions expressed at the time of the interview. High workload, feeling that pandemic times are not over and poor working conditions that have remained since then, have been the most frequently expressed determinants of such emotions.

Long after the pandemic outbreak, emotional distress is still relevant. The persistent burden of psychological distress points to a need for institutions to take action to improve working conditions and promote employees’ wellbeing.

None Declared

Patient or service user participation in research and development is seen as essential in health research, including in topics within psychiatry. The process and depth of research collaboration can vary and is not always described adequately.

The objective is to describe the collaborative methods and the experiences of experts by experience and academic researchers in a research project on patients’ experiences of remote care in psychiatric settings during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

We describe our collaborative methods and experiences using the INVOLVE key features (www.involve.nihr.ac.uk).

Collaboration started with an open discussion on research aims and role definitions. Collaborative methods included teaching and training sessions on interview methodologies, collaboratively writing and evaluating documents for ethical approval and research permission, collaboratively planning the recruitment process, preparation, and conducting research interviews and analysis. On-line and in-person meetings have been essential for an an-going dialogue and reflection. The methods and experiences are described in more detail in Table 1.

Openness and building trust have been important and time was needed to achieve these. All academic researchers had been actively working with experts by experience in the clinical settings before the research project. The collaboration in the current study has emphasized the need for active involvement of experts with experience throughout the research process. For the experts by experience, the project has provided new insight into academic research and given them confidence in their ability to participate meaningfully in a collaborative study project. The academic researchers valued the sense of significance of the research topic and shared decision-making that the collaboration has brought into the project.

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Collaborative research needs time to build trust and to clearly define the roles of participants, from the opening stage of the process. Continuous learning during the research process is emphasized. Since different research methodologies arise from various theoretical backgrounds, we suggest adding a topic on research theory to the INVOLVE key features.

None Declared

The shortage of medical professionals is becoming a nearly unsurmountable burden worldwide. Increasing uncertainties in the external environment require enhanced capacity for predicting future outcomes from the young adult population of medical students.

To find the level of resilience, the domains of psychological well-being and the symptoms of distress; and to identify associations between them in a cohort of medical students.

Data were collected in the 2022-23 academic year among Hungarian and English medical students at Semmelweis University. An online questionnaire was circulated via the official academic administration system (Neptun) with the incentive to provide personal results with available resources for those who requested it. Besides age and gender, we applied the short form of the Nicholson McBride Resilience Questionnaire (NMRQ), Ryff’s Psychological Well-being Scales (PWB), and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS). Additional to descriptive statistics, univariate analyses as well as multiple regression analyses (SPSS v.24) were used. (Ethics permission No: BM/5326-2/2023).

Altogether 318 students (132 Hungarians) filled the questionnaire, and 251 students requested personal answers. 114 males participated with a mean age slightly higher than that of females (24 (SD:4) ys vs 23 (SD:3) ys). Hungarians (H) demonstrated lower resilience (Mdn:37, IQR:32, 42) then international (I) students (Mdn: 41, IQR: 36, 47), U=15287, p<0.001. Both H and I students showed similar patterns on PWB, scoring highest on personal growth, purpose in life and positive relations with others; while reaching lowest scores on environmental mastery, and lower scores on autonomy and self-acceptance. However, they demonstrated differences in each of the domains (see table).

Higher prevalence of symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress were found in I students. Multiple regression analyses resulted in statistically significant models for both H (F(11, 121)=19.6; p<0.001; R2=0.641) and I students (F(12, 143)=8.98; p<0.001; R2=0.430) indicating that EM (t=4.7; p<0.001), PL (t=--3.2; p=0.002), SA (t=4.2; p<0.001), A (t=2.9; p=0.005), and anxiety (t-4.06; p<0.001) significantly predicted the strength of resilience in H, while autonomy (t=4.9; p<0.001) proved to be significant predictor in case of I students.

These single-centre results need to be further clarified on national and international level to stimulate interventions for strengthening resilience through establishing a caring network by universities for the fragile population of medical students.

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Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the most common serious movement disorder in the world, affecting about 1% of adults older than 60 years. The disease is attributed to selective loss of neurons in the substantia nigra, and its cause is enigmatic in most individuals. Patients with PD display both motor and non-motor symptoms. For some patients, the non-motor symptoms are more bothersome than the motor symptoms. One of the most common non-motor symptoms of PD is depression.

Treatment of depression with antidepressant drugs is well established. In the last 20 years use of antidepressant has risen mainly due to the introduction of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Our primary aim was to demonstrate an improvement in depressive symptoms in patients who started treatment with vortioxetine. A secondary aim was to show those who was successfully treated with vortioxetine but was unresponsive to paroxetine and escitalopram without worsening the extrapyramidal symptoms of PD.

In collaboration with the Department of Neurology, we included patients who are being treated for Parkinson’s disease and who meet the criteria for depressive disorder after a psychiatric examination. We divided the patients into two groups: those who had not previously taken any antidepressant drugs and those who were already on therapy with paroxetine and escitalopram but without the expected therapeutic response. All patients were prescribed vortioxetine in their treatment, and the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) was determined during their first meeting with the psychiatrist, and then again after 6 weeks of taking the medication. Also, we used Mini mental state examination (MMSE) to measure cognitive impairment.Our primary outcome measure was the number of patients in each treatment group who responded to treatment. Response was defined as the proportion of patients who had a reduction of at least 50% from the baseline score on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS)

Our primary outcome measure was the number of patients in each treatment group who responded to treatment. Response was defined as the proportion of patients who had a reduction of at least 50% from the baseline score on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS)

In our research, vortioxetine has proven to be effective in treating depressive symptoms without worsening Parkinson’s disease, unlike paroxetine and escitalopram, which resulted in partial effects.

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Sleep disturbance, particularly insomnia, is prevalent across various mental health disorders. While it is a common sign in mood disorders, emerging evidence suggests that insomnia might act as a precursor or an early sign of psychosis. Our case report and literature review emphasize the importance of evaluating sleep disturbances in the diagnosis and management of mental disorders.

• - To explore potential neurobiological underpinnings linking sleep disturbances to psychosis onset.

• - To advocate for the importance of early identification and intervention for sleep disturbances in the broader context of preventing or managing psychotic disorders.

We present a case describing a young patient’s first episode of psychosis, which was masked by an initial presentation of insomnia. Additionally, we conducted a review of the relationship between sleep disturbances and psychosis, with a comprehensive literature search from Pubmed, Scopus and psychINFO.

A 20-year-old African-American male with a history of poor sleep was initially diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder. He was treated with Bupropion, Quetiapine, and Trazodone. However, he later presented with worsening depression, odd behavior, and signs of disorganization, suggestive of a psychotic episode. After switching his medication to Risperidone 4mg twice daily, the patient’s sleep and other symptoms markedly improved. Through our literature review, we identified that sleep disturbances, especially insomnia, can be a risk factor for developing psychosis. While a cross-sectional study recorded one-fourth of their study population experiencing First Episode Psychosis (FEP) with clinical insomnia, another study reported close to 80% of their study sample with early psychosis suffering from a minimum of one sleep disorder; insomnia and nightmare disorder being the most frequent. A large sample longitudinal analysis lasting one year also observed patients with sleep disorders to be twice at risk of onset and persistence of psychotic episodes. A growing body of evidence also suggests that structural brain abnormalities and neural development alterations in the early stages of psychosis may lead to sleep disturbances and subsequent psychotic symptoms. Findings suggest that thalamic dysfunction may in particular contribute to sleep spindle deficits and altered EEG microstate dynamics. These deficits are unrelated to antipsychotic medication exposure, and are also not observed in patients with other psychiatric illnesses.

While the correlation between sleep disorders and psychosis has been well-established for decades, very limited literature is available on the role of sleep in FEP. Recognizing and treating sleep disturbances is pivotal in managing psychiatric disorders, including psychosis. Thus, a comprehensive evaluation of sleep issues in patients presenting with psychiatric symptoms is imperative for accurate diagnosis and management.

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Bipolar disorder (BD) is a complex mental illness described by recurrent episodes of mania and depression. One subtype of the illness is rapid cycling BD, characterized by experiencing four or more extreme mood swings within a year. Diagnosing and treating BD can be complicated by comorbid conditions, such as atypical anorexia nervosa (AAN), marked by disordered eating and disturbing weight-related thoughts.

To discuss the diagnosis and treatment plan of a patient with rapid cycling BD, who experienced adverse effects from prescribed medication and later was diagnosed with comorbid AAN.

We present a case of a 21 year-old man initially presenting with anxiety, low mood, and obsessive weight-related thoughts, ultimately diagnosed with major depression and mixed anxiety disorder.

21 year-old man was diagnosed with major depression and mixed anxiety disorder, initially treated with mirtazapine and fluoxetine (limited success), later attempting escitalopram and bupropion combination (partial remission). After 2 years the patient discontinued the treatment due to feeling “euphoric”, subsequently experiencing depression and manic episodes – the initial diagnosis was rapid cycling BD. The treatment was changed to sodium valproate (up to 1500 mg/day) and aripiprazole (up to 10 mg/day), however extremely rare adverse medication effects (nosebleeds, diarrhea with blood admixture, “high-frequency sounds”) were reported. Throughout valproate treatment, the patient experienced persistent diarrhea. During hospitalization for treatment adjustment lithium carbonate was introduced at a starting dose of 900 mg/day, maintaining blood lithium levels between 0.4 mmol/l and 0.49 mmol/l. Later the dose was adjusted and a therapeutic lithium blood level was reached with 1575 mg/day of lithium carbonate. Additionally, risperidone was prescribed, however, the patient experienced an uncommon adverse reaction – nasal congestion. Subsequently, amisulpride was introduced, which provoked severe anxiety and fear, resulting in medication discontinuation. During the latest outpatient visit, fluoxetine was added to the treatment due to observed depressive symptoms. Throughout the treatment, the patient episodically intermittently starved, had persistent distressing thoughts about weight and was diagnosed with AAN. While planning further treatment it was hypothesized that comorbid AAN might affect drug metabolism and the patient was referred to a specialized inpatient facility for eating disorder management.

This case report highlights the complexity of psychiatric disorders and the importance of monitoring and adjusting treatment based on patient response and side effects. Additionally, it emphasizes comorbid conditions significance in influencing the primary disorder’s dynamics as well as the metabolism and effectiveness of psychiatric medications.

None Declared

Bipolar Disorders have been consistently associated with cognitive dysfunction across a broad range of cognitive domains (patients, who usually took psychiatric drugs, sometimes presented changes of cognitive disorders). Many studies have focused on improving the illness severity of patients with MDD or BD by combining mood-stabilizing drugs with atypical antipsychotics (AA). However, the results are contradictory and have not confirmed the certain superiority of AA to other therapeutic strategies. Among these, the cognitive remedy has demonstrated important effectiveness on cognitive variations in this group of patients.

In our study, we tried to evaluate some changes in cognitive function in patients with BD treated with antipsychotics related to critical problems with typical cognitive tests.

In our observational study, we recruited forty-three inpatients (20 females, 23 males) affected by Bipolar Disorder (DSM-5 criteria; particularly 78.5% affected by BD-I), in a psychiatric rehabilitation center. All patients were included in the ordinary rehabilitation treatment. All patients were treated with mood stabilizers (lithium n. 14; valproate n. 29), and at least one AA. The AAs have been the following: quetiapine, aripiprazole, and olanzapine (authorized in Italy)(Table 1). The observation period lasted three years, during three significant waves of the COVID-19 pandemic.

All patients at baseline (T0) (March-April 2020), T1 (Maj-June 2021), T2 (April-Maj 2022), and T3 (April – June 2023) were administered the following rating scales: BPRS, YMRS, GAF, and HAM-D

The data were statistically analyzed with the EZAnalyze 3.0 software for the Excel platform.

In Table 2 and Graphic the results obtained with the rating scales and statistical analysis are shown. In BRPS the data shows a statistically significant reduction in the total score in all periods analyzed. Similar results were found in the GAF and YRMS scales. However, with the HAM-D Scale, there was evidence of an increase in T2, although the differences were not statistically demonstrated. The differences in mean scores are more evident for quetiapine and olanzapine.

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Our observational study showed that the atypical antipsychotics used in our work allowed a significant improvement of the symptoms in BD. However, the pandemic waves have no correlation with the treatment performed. New studies are necessary to highlight the relationship of the pharmacological treatment of BD with the progress of the COVID-19 pandemic.

None Declared

Many mental health conditions, including anxiety, mood disorders, and depression, can be effectively treated at a relatively low cost. Exercise interventions can be a therapeutic strategy, but even though exercise has consistently been shown to improve physical health, cognitive function, and psychological well-being, as well as reduce depression and anxiety symptoms, this intervention is often neglected in mental health care services.

The study aims to assess the feasibility of incorporating an Exercise Intervention Program (EIP) as a therapeutic pathway within the Mental Health and Addictions Program (MHAP) in Nova Scotia, as well as to evaluate the effectiveness of the program on mental health outcomes and incremental costs, and the patient acceptability and satisfaction with the program.

This proof-of-concept study has a pragmatic, prospective, controlled observational design with an embedded one-phase qualitative component. Patients with a primary diagnosis of depression or anxiety attending the Rapid Assessment and Stabilization Program (RASP, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada) will be offered to receive 60-minute exercise sessions three times per week, per 12 weeks. Patients with similar mental health conditions that have opted to wait for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with the community provider and declined from the EIP will be part of the control group. A certified recreational therapist will conduct the EIP. Participants of both groups (EIP and control condition) will be assessed at baseline and then weekly for four weeks, six weeks and then at 12 weeks post-enrollment. Primary outcomes include differences in the mean change in functional (well-being, resilience, and recovery) and symptom variables (depression, anxiety, and suicidal risk), which will be assessed through online validated scales/questionnaires. Service variables (patient acceptance and satisfaction) and health care utilization (crisis calls, emergency department visits, hospital admissions and readmissions, length of stay for each admission) will comprise the secondary outcomes.

The results of the study will provide information about the effectiveness of EIP in the treatment of anxiety and depression compared to those only wait-listed to receive CBT or counselling from a CMHA provider. The study will also inform about the acceptability and satisfaction of the EIP, as well as the incremental cost-effectiveness of the intervention compared to the control condition.

This proof-of-concept study will demonstrate the effectiveness of EIP as an adjunctive or alternative therapeutic option for the treatment of anxiety and depression in patients seeking mental health support from the MHAP in Nova Scotia.

None Declared

In the age of digital information, the volume of personal information available online continues to grow. Examining patients’ online profiles has become common for various reasons especially in psychiatry, despite ethical concerns. Therefore, it is interesting to explore the attitudes of tunisian psychiatric residents in this regard.

This study aimed to identify the purposes that make psychiatry residents consult their patients’ profiles on social media and to evaluate the consequences of being friends with them or following them on the treatment course and on the doctor-patient relationship.

This was a cross-sectional descriptive study from August to September. A questionnaire on Google form was distributed to psychiatry Tunisian residents.The study evaluated the frequency and causes of patient profiles consultation on social networks, its role and impact in the doctor-patient relationship

The study population included 53 psychiatry residents with a mean age of 28 (+-5) years and a sex ratio of 0.127. Among the responders, 53 % were in their first or second year of residency. And the predominant workplace was El Razi Hospital : a university hospital.

For the frenquency of patient profiles consultation on social networks : 87% of treating psychiatrists declared consulting their patients’ profiles on social media at least once. The purposes of consulting patient’s profiles noted in our study were: looking for signs of pre-morbid functioning (n=32), looking for clinical features of the current episode (n=30). They do it also to verify the informations provided by the patient (n= 18) ,have an idea of their private lives (marital status ,employment, hobbies,..)(n=11) ,or locate a family member (n=5). It can be also out of curiosity (n=21). And this made the psychiatry residents empathetic towards the patient (n=10) .

But, in 91% of cases, patient’s permission was not taken .

Moreover, 4 of treating psychiatrists declared being friends with their patients or following their profiles on social media. Two of them regret it. The friend or follow request was an initiative from the patient, in all cases.

The attitudes of psychiatry residents regarding the consultation of patients’ profiles on social networks were not clear. However, as the boundaries of the digital doctor-patient relationship remain undefined, it is imperative to develop clear guidelines and educational resources.

None Declared

Existing systematic reviews have suggested mixed effects of the Covid pandemic on the mental health of children and young people. Those with pre-existing mental health and neurodevelopmental conditions have been suggested to be disproportionately affected, but this has not been meta-analysed. Most reviews of studies in clinical populations to date only include cross-sectional studies during the first lockdown or longitudinal cohorts up to early 2021, which limits our understanding of causality and long-term effects. To our knowledge, this is the first systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the longitudinal impact of the pandemic on the mental health of children and young people with pre-existing mental health and neurodevelopmental conditions.

To compare 1) mental health pre versus during Covid, and 2) mental health during Covid.

Medline, Embase, APA PsycInfo, and Global Health databases were searched up to August 2023. Longitudinal studies reporting mental health outcomes in children and young people (≤18 years old) with pre-Covid mental health and/or neurodevelopmental conditions were included. Cohorts were deemed eligible if children and young people were diagnosed using a diagnostic assessment, scored above clinical threshold on validated measures, or attended mental health services pre-Covid. Outcomes included internalising, externalising, and other symptoms. Studies were narratively synthesised by symptom category and meta-analyses performed where number of studies reporting the same outcomes were sufficient (≥5).

6,083 records were identified and 21 studies (N=2,617) were included. These widely differed in country, setting, diagnosis, outcome, and timepoints under study. The narrative synthesis highlighted mixed findings in mental health changes during the pandemic for all three symptom categories showing increases, reductions, and no changes. Only studies reporting changes in internalising symptoms pre- versus during the pandemic were in sufficient number to be amenable to meta-analysis.

Our findings suggest the pandemic’s impact on the mental health of children and young people with pre-existing mental health and neurodevelopmental conditions were complex and varied. We highlight an urgent need for longitudinal Covid research on long-term mental health outcomes in this vulnerable group. Understanding risk factors and longitudinal trajectories is warranted to guide clinical practice and policy.

None Declared

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) represent a major public health concern on a global scale. The increasing prevalence of ASD worldwide, coupled with the arising demand for treatments, underscores its important role in the public mental health discourse. Ensuring the equitable integration of children with ASD and their families into all aspects of society becomes an imperative task, in order to eradicate the stigma associated with the broad spectrum of autism, encompassing both visible and concealed dimensions.

The primary objective of this study was to determine the crude prevalence of ASD in Greece nationwide, while also examining regional disparities in both prevalence and therapies. The study spanned a three-year period from February 2019 to February 2022 and relied on retrospective data sourced from the Greek National Organization for Healthcare Services Provision (EOPYY).

EOPYY provided de-identified data, including information such as sex, age, diagnosis, and treatment for each child, facilitated by hashed social security numbers. Statistical analysis of the dataset was performed using the open-source statistical program R.

A total of 18,245 children aged 2 -17 years were diagnosed with ASD in Greece, representing a nationwide crude prevalence rate of 1.16%. Regional disparities were evident, with prevalence rates ranging from 0.49% in the North Aegean to 1.57% in Crete. Over the three-year study period, a total of 15,328,327 non-medical therapies were prescribed, corresponding to an annual average of 264 therapies per child. Statistically significant differences between the thirteen regions in Greece were observed, ranging from 230 to 323 annual therapies per child.

Our findings align Greece’s ASD prevalence with the global estimate of 1 in 100 children, as per the World Health Organization. Disparities between rural and urban areas in Greece may be attributed to differences in diagnostic procedures and the availability and accessibility of specialized services for autistic individuals. Thus, the establishment of a national surveillance system for ASD is recommended to enhance our understanding of the autism spectrum, monitor changes in prevalence, and identify potential contributing factors to autism conditions. Furthermore, these evidence-based results offer invaluable insights for crafting policies concerning healthcare, education, and employment for individuals with ASD in order to ensure the development of people with autism, their wellbeing, and a good quality of life.

None Declared

While technology continues to evolve and the prevalence of screen-based activities is rising, limited studies have investigated the effect of various types of screen time on youth behavioural problems. Further, the influence of mindfulness intervention programs on behavioural problems beyond hyperactivity is largely understudied.

This study aims to address a research gap by examining the associations between four types of screen time and hyperactivity and conduct problems among community youth during the pandemic. The current study also aimed to investigate the efficacy of a mindfulness-based intervention in reducing hyperactivity and conduct problems.

Community youth aged 12-25 from Ontario, Canada, were recruited between April 2021 and April 2022 (n=117, mean age=16.82, male=22%, non-White=21%). The Mindfulness Ambassador Program, a structured, 12-week, evidence-based intervention program, was offered live, online and led by two MAP-certified facilitators. We conducted linear regression analyses using pre-intervention data to examine the unique association between the four types of screen time and behavioural problems (hyperactivity and conduct problems). The efficacy of the MAP on adolescent hyperactivity and conduct problems was examined considering the three survey time points (pre-, post-, and follow-up) using a series of linear regression models utilizing the Generalized Least Squares (GLS) Maximum Likelihood (ML), unstructured model.

The average score for conduct problems was classified within the normal range, while the average score for hyperactivity was considered borderline at baseline. More than 5 hours of playing video games were significantly associated with increased conduct problems [β= -1.75, 95% CI=-0.20 – 3.30, p=0.03]. Accounting for age, sex, baseline mental health status, and screen time, the mindfulness intervention program significantly contributed to decreased hyperactivity at post-intervention compared to the baseline [β=-0.49, 95% CI=-0.91 to -0.08, p=0.02]. It was maintained at follow-up [β=-0.64, 95% CI=-1.26 to -0.03, p=0.04].

Our findings suggest an adverse impact of excessive video gaming on behavioural problems among community youth and confirm that the trend remains the same. Considering the simplicity, brevity, non-invasive nature and other mental health benefits of the mindfulness intervention, we argue that the results are promising and worthy of further study and larger-scale implementation. Clinicians, parents, and educators should work collaboratively to provide developmentally appropriate strategies to moderate screen time spent on video games among youth.

None Declared

In Colombia the traditional treatment model implies the needing of a total cessation of consume to be able to acces an impatientand long stance rehabilitation program. However, literature in other countries expériences had sugested and used a harm reduction program with an otpatien rehabilitation program.

As this programs are more cost-effective and enables the patient to continue his daily life, perpetuate his life style, keep and enhance the psychosocial network, an outpatient comprehensive multimodular program was designed to adapt to a health promotion company (EPS for its spanish acronym) and has been used since 2017.

• - share the expérience aquired in an undeveloped country of latin America

• - The tipification in the main substance consumption in the development group as well as it’s differentiation in gender and age group

Expérience and results

• - The majority of patients are men over women

• - the predominant age group is between 29-59 years old

• - there is a difference between the age group depending on the substance of impact

The experience have shown that up to 30% of the population treated have gotten to a controlled consumption or the total suspension without the needing of an impatient program In général thé patient have shown motivation and adherence to an outpatient program

None Declared

The COVID-19 pandemic involved stringent social restrictions, a surge in mortality, and significant economic consequences, affecting age groups differently and leading to increases in loneliness and mental health problems, particularly depression, which was already very common before the pandemic.

Analyse changes and related factors of the relationship between loneliness and depression by age group from (1) before to the COVID-19 outbreak, (2) during the pandemic, and (3) after the last state of emergency. Moreover, we aim to (4) evaluate the effect of social support to alleviate feelings of loneliness and improve the course of depression.

We used data from three different cohorts, all representative of the Spanish adult population. (1) We longitudinally analysed the association between loneliness and depression with a sample interviewed before (N = 1,880) and during (N = 1,103) the pandemic. We used mixed-models to study changes in major depressive disorder (MDD) by age group and regression models to quantify the association between age and potential mediating effects. (2) We analysed data of 2,000 adults during the pandemic. Several regression models were constructed to assess the impact of pre-pandemic mental disorders on the main association by age group. (3) Out of those 2,000 participants, 1,300 were interviewed 9 months later, to determine group-based loneliness trajectories and its associated risk factors. (4) We analysed the relationship between loneliness, social support, and MDD over a 7-year period (N=404 individuals aged 50+ having MDD). We tested cross‐lagged panel models using structural equation modelling.

During the pandemic the probability of having MDD increased significantly among younger individuals, and was partly explained by loneliness, low resilience, and worsened economic situation. Loneliness was associated with more depressive symptoms, and this association was stronger in younger adults without pre-pandemic mental disorders and in older adults with them. At the end of pandemic, three courses of loneliness were detected: invariant low loneliness (42.6%), decreasing medium loneliness (51.5%), and fairly invariant high loneliness (5.9%). Risk factors for worse trajectories were being younger, female, not married, and, notably, having pre-pandemic mental disorders. Among individuals with depression prior to the pandemic, lower social support predicted higher subsequent levels of loneliness, resulting in an increase in MDD recurrence.

Strategies to decrease the impact of loneliness on depressive symptoms should consider individuals mental health background, address social determinants, and adopt an age-driven perspective.

None Declared

The first psychotic episode is often a moment of utmost importance for the patients and their families, as well as for the treating professionals who need to address several dilemmas. Findings suggest that Self-Disorders (SD) specifically aggregate within schizophrenia spectrum disorders, pointing to the possibility that they could be a central phenotypic marker of schizophrenia spectrum disorders across the different severity of their clinical manifestations. We will present and discuss a case report involving a patient’s first admission, where diagnostic uncertainties exist. The goal is to enhance our comprehension of the significance of contemporary clinical and phenomenological psychopathology, with a specific focus on SD, in order to achieve a more accurate and precise assessment of incipient schizophrenia.

None Declared

The Watersports Inclusion Games is a free annual weekend event, where young people with a range of physical and intellectual disabilities and their families/siblings participate in various inclusive watersports activities.

This study aims to assess the psychological benefits of watersports for young people with various physical and intellectual disabilities and investigate the extent of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their access to watersports.

Following a literature review, a survey containing both quantitative and qualitative aspects was constructed using SurveyMonkey and circulated to the parents/guardians of participants three times following the event. The survey was completed anonymously on an opt-in basis and 28 responses that met our criteria for analysis were collected. Qualitative data from free-text responses were grouped under themes and quantitative data was analysed using SPSS.

Despite 64% (n=18) of respondents indicating that their disability increased their vulnerability to COVID-19 in some capacity, the effect of the pandemic on accessibility was not statistically significant. This could be due to the small response number, or the everyday limitations participants faced prior to the pandemic. 92% (n=25) of participants indicated that there was great inclusion in the watersports activities and that they were “very beneficial” regarding the possibility of the whole family’s participation [p=0.005]. The survey also found a statistically significant association between the event’s activities being considered both “accessible” and “very beneficial” in terms of boosting self-confidence, with 57.1% of responses indicating agreement to this. (p=0.016)

Full-family participation and accessibility of activities were key facilitators to the enjoyment and benefit of participants. Programmes should be established that allow able-bodied siblings and young people with disabilities to participate in the same activities.

None Declared

The multifamily group that has been underway since April 2019 in Alcobendas, Madrid is described. A group that serves people diagnosed with mental disorder and their families, with the aim of improving their health and quality of life. It is about facilitating and improving the basic communication of relational aspects and healthy bonds. It is intended to offer a space where you can think together about the experiences lived in your own family with the rest of the group

Assess the evolution and improvement of the patient and family members with the Score 15 questionnaire, The Score is a way of giving users a voice about the therapy process, not about the contents of their problems, but about their perception of the effectiveness of therapeutic work and for professionals it is an opportunity to obtain important feedback from their work.

Using the Score !5 questionnaire on all participants in the group at time zero and after 12 sessions

Improvement in the family description items, and in the quantitative improvement in scoring of the following questions: What degree of severity would indicate? Do you think therapy will be helpful/has it been helpful to you?

Family therapy in the modality of Multifamily Groups provides an improvement in intrafamily communication, its links and therefore in the rest of social communication, facilitating the exit from loneliness and misunderstanding and in turn broadens the understanding and understanding by therapists

None Declared